These changes includebrain atrophy, or shrinkage, and a build-up of amyloid and tau proteins in the brain.
The accumulated amyloid protein can form abnormal clumps in the brain, known as amyloid plaques.
In contrast, excess tau protein forms tangled fibers in your brain cells, known as neurofibrillary tangles.
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These changes in the brain can sometimes begin 10 years before anysymptoms of Alzheimers diseaseappear.
These neurological changes are brought on by age-related degeneration and other genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
The role that these factors play in the risk of Alzheimers disease can vary from person to person.
Other health conditions and head trauma can also raise your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Aging
Aging is perhaps the most significant risk factor of Alzheimers disease.
After the age of 65, the number of people with Alzheimers disease doubles every five years.
These changes affect neurons in the brain and contribute to the progression of Alzheimers disease.
Alzheimers is not a normal part of aging, however.
The brain shrinks considerably as the condition progresses.
These conditions pose a greater risk to those who are 50 and older.
A person with MCI can still function in work or social environments but can feel frustrated with cognitive changes.
MCI can sometimes be an early sign of Alzheimers disease and dementia.
Everyone who has MCI doesn’t necessarily develop Alzheimers disease or dementia.
Family History & Genetics
The role of genes in Alzheimers disease is complex and still being investigated.
People with Down syndrome exhibit symptoms of Alzheimers 10 to 20 years before other people usually do.
Alzheimer’s Association.Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures.
2018;28:21-30. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.01.021
National Down Syndrome Society.Alzheimer’s disease and Down syndrome.
